FAREWELL FOSTER, HOOROO HENNESSY: DRY JULY 2026 LAUNCHES WITH CULTURAL TWIST

Independent agency Hello has launched Dry July 2026 with comedian Tanya Hennessy and ex-Socceroo Craig Foster dropping their surnames to inspire Australians to go alcohol-free. The campaign blends humour, cultural insight and fundraising purpose, driving donations to support cancer patients through practical services, while sparking widespread conversation and media attention.

Independent creative agency Hello has unveiled Dry July 2026 with a bold integrated campaign that blends humour, cultural insight and fundraising purpose. Comedian Tanya Hennessy and former Socceroo Craig Foster have temporarily dropped their surnames to encourage Australians to go alcohol-free and raise funds for people affected by cancer.  

The campaign, launched under the playful rallying cries “Farewell Foster” and “Hooroo Hennessy,” began with the pair striking out their surnames across social media profiles, sparking curiosity and conversation among fans. The stunt is designed to inject fresh energy into the annual fundraiser, which has become a fixture in Australia’s cultural calendar.  

Dry July Foundation CEO Gillian Odbert said the campaign was crafted to balance fun with impact. “This year we wanted to bring a little more fun, personality and cultural relevance to the campaign, while still shining a light on the very real impact Dry July has on the lives of people affected by cancer,” she explained. Odbert emphasised that every dollar raised funds practical support services, including specialist cancer nurses, transport to treatment, accommodation near hospitals, and wellness programmes that ease the burden for patients and families.  

Hello CEO Sam Kelly noted that the early response has already surpassed expectations. “We’ve been blown away by the early response from participants, fans and the media. Craig and Tanya have embraced the idea wholeheartedly, and we’re excited to see the campaign continue to build momentum throughout July,” he said. Kelly added that the initiative demonstrates the power of pairing a simple cultural insight with the right talent, generating conversation, earning widespread attention and, crucially, converting that attention into fundraising outcomes.  

By blending humour, celebrity participation and a clear social purpose, Dry July 2026 positions itself as more than a health challenge—it becomes a cultural moment. The campaign’s playful disruption of familiar surnames has already captured public imagination, while its fundraising mission ensures the energy translates into tangible support for those living with cancer.